Richard Pastor Dick T. Hatlin, 92

Richard Pastor Dick T. Hatlin, USMC (Ret.), 92, of Polson, beloved husband and father, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at his home in Polson. In 1934, he enlisted in the U.S. Civil Conservation Corps and later in 1936, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Pastor Dick was a highly decorated, 31-year veteran defending our nation in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Friends and family often referred to him as Captain Dick in respect to his dutiful military service. Besides his many military achievements, Pastor Dick graduated in 1962 from the Lewis Hotel Training School in Washington, D.C., managed many of the Marine Corps Officers Clubs, and was assistant producer of the TV show, Builder s Showcase, which aired in the Los Angeles area in the early 1960s. Later, while in California, he worked for the State of California Income Tax Division and the California Board of Equalization for 17 years. A 1974 graduate of Life Bible College in Los Angeles, he was an ordained minister by the Foursquare and Assemblies of God churches, and the associate pastor, teacher and church pioneer of the Lord s Church Ministries, which he and his wife, Julene, moved to Polson to teach and mentor others in the area. In 1982, he was involved with the Billy Graham Crusades, training counselors during the Crusades. He recently received three college degrees: a bachelor s in theology, a Master of Theology and Biblical Covenants, and a Doctorate of Science and Psychology, proving that you re never too old for educational endeavors. He was a great supporter of the Young Eagles, a Marine Corps-sponsored program providing once-in-a-lifetime flight opportunities for disabled children. Capt. Dick was also a lifetime member of the VFW, the Marine Corps League and a member of the Life for the Nations Church in Ronan. In addition to his parents, his first wife of 48 years, Audrey Lindeke Hatlin, preceded him in death. She passed away in 1988. Those left with cherished memories of Capt. Dick are his loving wife of 20 years, Julene Morrison Hatlin, of Polson; two daughters, Rita and Gordon Tobey, and Marsha and John Mosley; three stepchildren, Marlette, Brian and Michele; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1, at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., in Polson. Funeral services with military honors will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, at Grogan Funeral Home, and friends may call an hour prior to the service as well. Graveside services will follow at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson with military honors. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson considers it a privilege to care for Pastor Dick s family.